So now you have arrived, and the days of your trip begin. There are additional items you will need to be able to pull out of your daypack to make all of this work smoothly. Some of these items you will already be able to list and others may be surprising, including:
Each day as you set out, look through your day pages for that day and call in any reservations that you have not yet made. Then slip that set of day pages into a plastic folder and put it in your day pack where you can readily access them.
You will be referring to these pages all day, using the small maps, history notes, and transportation and activity guidance. These pages will be your “guide.” So you won’t need to race to keep up or get back to the bus.
Keep your tickets, reservations and vouchers in separate clear plastic sleeves. Make sure everything you need is visible and where you can find it in your backpack. This way you will know you have everything you need and be ready to pull it out just when you need it.
Assign your map its own plastic sleeve so you can refer to it even if it’s raining.In order to stay completely organized, consider color-coding items by type.
As you maneuver around the airport after checking in, you will have in tow your carry-on and your personal item. If your personal item is not a backpack, save yourself the hazard of having your top bag slide off your carry-on.
A bag bungee is an inexpensive item that connects your bags together so you can pull them all securely through airports, train stations, city streets and hotel lobbies.
Marketing in Europe is great fun. But it is very different from what you are accustomed to in the US. Europeans take their food very seriously. You are not to touch any of the fruits or vegetables, but only point to them and the vendor will handle them for you.
And you will be expected to bring along your own marketing bags. So keep 2 or 3 string bags in your day pack so you’re ready whenever you check out.
There will be days when you will want to forego sitting in a restaurant for lunch. This will help with your budget, but also will be its own delight. Round up what you need at the market and head for a pleasant bench in the gardens or a park.
Then pull your picnic kit out of your day pack, complete with plates, silverware and cloth napkins. 10.9 x 10.7 x 2.3 inches. 1.89 pounds.
You will be surrounded by excellent line, at affordable prices, especially if you are traveling in France or Italy. As you prepare for the day take along in your day pack a set of unbreakable, stackable wineglasses, and stop to pick up a bottle of wine and enjoy it in a picturesque spot during the day.
Make sipping wine from proper wine glasses part of your travel style.
Take along a second chill stainless steel insulated water bottle to keep your white wine or rosé cold.Two of these light-weight bottles, one for water and one for wine, will fit easily in your day pack. Refill the water bottle whenever you have the chance, and stay well hydrated throughout the day. .
Take along a brimmed hat that suits your style. But make it a crushable/foldable hat so you can stick it in your luggage on flight days and in your day pack when you’re out and about. Wear it to for sun protection.
Plan to mail home a box towards the end of your trip to ensure that your luggage is not overweight and that your trip shopping will not be impeded.
Pack up used day pages, brochures, books, and any other items that are no longer needed. Take along mailing tape, mailing labels, and scissors. You will be able to purchase international mail boxes at the post office.